Energy: Large untapped natural gas reserves, small
coal and oil production; two newly tapped oil fields have high potential.
Coal mainly in northeastern industrial region. Hydroelectric power system
well-developed on three major rivers; thermo-electric stations burn
natural gas or coal.

Inflation: Hyperinflation (1,100 percent) 1993, 270
percent 1994 after second-half slide of som's value. Government control
remains on prices of basic commodities and fuels, but prices of other
items rose very fast after decontrol, 1992 and 1993.

Fiscal Year: Calendar year.

Fiscal Policy: Tax system reformed with addition of
value-added and profits tax, beginning 1992; main revenues of 1993 state
budget from value-added tax, corporate income tax, cotton marketing, and
individual income tax; 1993 state budget deficit 200 million rubles, 12
percent of revenue.